REMEMBER SEAN O’BRIEN remonstrating a little during yesterday morning’s victory over Russia in their Rugby World Cup clash?
Well, this is why.
The IRB have confirmed this morning that Valery Tsnobiladze has been cited for an ‘alleged breach of Law 10.4(a)’ or, in other words, striking an opponent with the head.
A statement reads: “The team has been informed and the case will be heard by the Independent Judicial Officer His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (England). The hearing will take place in Auckland at the Vero Building with the time and date to be confirmed”
The hooker is the fourth player to be cited during the tournament in New Zealand after England’s Courtney Lawes received a three-match ban for kneeing an opponent in the head and Fiji’s Dominiko Waqaniburotu got three weeks for a dangerous tip tackle.
USA captain Todd Clover was also found guilty of a dangerous tackle on a Russian player but did not receive a suspension.
Ireland beat Russia by 50 points in Rotorua early yesterday morning, in a game in which O’Brien got over for a try.
- additional reporting AP
